Are TV Shows Like Finding Bigfoot Afraid To Show "Genuine Experts" On TV?
Dr. Jeffery Meldrum is like Gandalf the White when he speaks out. In a recent article titled, "Where's the science in the search for Sasquatch?", editor Brian Regal complained about the lack of "genuine experts" on television shows such as Finding Bigfoot and Ancient Aliens. Brian suggested that the reason for this is because the experts "might explain why there are no mermaids, ghosts or sasquatches."
On Facebook today, Dr. Meldrum respectfully disagreed with Brian and made the following remarks. Since this is a Bigfoot blog and we are extremely biased, we completely, 100% agree with Dr. Meldrum that there is a lot of science in Bigfoot:
Here's a snippet from Brian's article:
These programs glorify amateur investigators, who have little knowledge of the fields they “study” while often disparaging the work of professional scholars. Genuine experts — physicists, evolutionary biologists, historians, classicists and others — rarely make it to the screen because they might explain why there are no mermaids, ghosts or sasquatches, that there is no evidence aliens have visited the earth, and why our lives and our history should be valued as more than just junk sold for a couple of bucks to a pawn shop.
Programs such as “Finding Bigfoot” should be getting viewers, especially children, turned on to science and history as the way to understand the world; it should trumpet the value of education and expertise. What it actually does is turn us away from learning, books, science, history and the hard work of the intellect for a view of the world where serious study and intellectual pursuits are suspect or unnecessary.
How to combat this? Tell your kids that smart people are not the enemy; then buy them a microscope or a telescope. Get them a book on biology or zoology or even history from the library and read it with them; fight to make sure they get a good education. We’ll all be better off and, yes, if it is out there, someone might even actually find Bigfoot.
[via blog.nj.com]
I guess he had never seen any of the countless shows, documentaries and specials with all the experts on them like Meldrum, that were out way before Finding Bigfoot. Just goes to show how people like to try and get their 2 cents in on current popular topics.
ReplyDeletePost the links I'll watch em... I've never seen anything with any experts...
DeleteThe biggest problem with skeptics is that they assume everything they know on a subject is ALL that there is to know on a subject and therefore there is nothing to any of it. It shows just how LAZY and IGNORANT they really CAN be when it comes speaking up on a subject they disagree with.
DeleteEveryone has a right to an opinion on any topic, how ever they don't have the right to assume their opinion is the correct one.
Here's a good example. When I was a kid, I told my Mom once that fluoride helps reverse tooth decay. She said "Who told you that nonsense!" in an irritated tone. I said "Our dentist yesterday when I was there for a filling!"
The point is, when skeptics speak out they make assumptions WITHOUT checking the facts.
Chad W
True, an expert is only genuine to a skeptic if he agrees with what he or she says. A real skeptic will seek answers where those most oppossed to the idea of Bigfoot are biased and preconceived.
DeleteMeldrum is just another drop in the sea, he has produced no proof and knows nothing more than the rest of us. Stop venerating the undeserving.
ReplyDeleteNonsense if I ever read it.
Deletewhat experts? there are no experts on this subject.
ReplyDeleteWhy not? We have plenty of trolls.
DeleteThat's OK, the kids can turn the channel and watch "The Kardashans, Jersey Shore and American Idol". That will really stimulate the mind.
ReplyDeleteAt least Finding Bigfoot will stimulate curiosity and/or sense of adventure.
Pure bullshit. Meldrum is no expert. Nobody is an expert.
ReplyDeleteSo why does a word "expert " exist if there is no such thing. Kinda like saying there is no MD's, or PhD's . What an idiot!
DeleteOf course he's an expert, the troll crap proves it so there must be something to it or they'd not bother.
DeleteRegal's critique is of the reality TV approach, not necessarily of all investigation of "unknown" things. What he says makes sense. It is not myopic to call out the ineffectual and absurd when it appears. Finding Bigfoot could definitely improve (let Cliff have more of a say). Look at the last phrase in the Regal quote above.
ReplyDeleteFinding bigfoot will have competition from another new reality show. It's called, Here comes Honey Boo Boo.
ReplyDeleteThere are a whole lot more Phds on the show Ancient Aliens than on finding bigfoot. Hopefully that will change if and when DNA confirms bigfoots existence. But they will probably seek a different venue than a reality TV show to discuss the topic.
ReplyDeleteIf the DNA confirms that Bigfoot exist there will be no finding bigfoot, one episode of bigfoot found.but we know that isnt going to happen now is it.
DeleteI think that when the DNA comes out, there will be a whole lot of television companies wanting to go out and find BFs. It will be a race too see which TV company can get the best footage of one the first! (assuming the Erikson project doesn't release spectacular photos or footage)
DeleteChad W
Not when it's officially confirmed to be of the Homo line then it's off limits for TV and for science only, National Geographic maybe that's it.
DeleteDNA will just come up as ``unknown`` nothing to compare it to,so it will prove nothing.
DeleteAs far as ancient aliens go, the real experts are on TV and have spent thousands of hours and written quite a few books on the subject. As for Finding Bigfoot when Matt, Bobo, and Cliff have seen and had other encounters with bigfoot by going out into the mountains and forests, I guess that would make them some kind of expert as opposed to those who hang in the house or office and ponder why one is not in their lab.
ReplyDeleteSo called amateurs are making most of the discoveries in astronomy these days and many other scientific endeavors, they just do not have a PHD or Professor in front of their name, and I guess this ticks off people such as Brian above. Too bad for him.
Chuck
Astronomical discoveries are verifiable so far bigfoot has not reached the benchmark of proof where it's existance will be undeniable to everyone.
DeleteMet Cliff and Bobo, along with Derek Randels and Tyler William Bounds, and John Bindernagel...they are out in the field,exchanging ideas and information, doing the field work necessary to document this animal's existence. Though Bindernagel is the only one with "pedigree", I would term all of these men as having expertise in this field of study.
ReplyDeleteThey were probably showing Bindernagel how to be the lead man in a Circle Jerk.
DeleteIt's no good troll you geeks have lost.
Delete^?^
DeleteThat picture of Gandalf is the way I picture Gae-Rath the Gae.
ReplyDeleteIn regards remarks about my recent Op Ed piece in the NJ Star-Ledger concerning the TV show ‘Finding Bigfoot’ it seems once again my words have been read, but not understood. My critique is with programs that put themselves forward as scientific or historical when they do no science or history, not with cryptozoology—an endeavor I support—as well as the increasing trend of disrespecting trained, experienced scholars in favor of enthusiasts with no training or background. I stated quite clearly that there are individuals, both professional scientists and amateurs alike, who do good work. That would include the likes of Drs. Meldrum and Bindernagel (though neither particularly cares for me or my work, but that’s no problem) and others in the US, UK and around the world. I am familiar with the latest DNA work being done, though that work has shown nothing conclusive. I also stated quite clearly that creatures like Bigfoot and its ken are the most evolutionarily plausible monsters and if they are out there will be found. I find it a validation of my work, that some—though far from all—people in the field of cryptozoology reacted so strongly. It supports the thesis I have argued all along. Finally, I don’t understand why there is not more of an outcry against ‘Finding Bigfoot’ from within cryptozoology. The show doesn’t make scholars like myself look bad, it makes cryptozoologists look bad.
ReplyDeleteWe absolutely love your blog and find a lot of
ReplyDeleteyour post's to be just what I'm looking for.
Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn't mind composing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web site!
Look into my blog ; ghd straighteners
It's going to be finish of mine day, but before finish I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my experience.
ReplyDeleteLook at my website :: http://www.raybansale-shop.com
Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to
ReplyDeletegive a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading through your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
Thanks for your time!
My blog post ... オークリー サングラス
My family members always say that I am killing my time here
ReplyDeleteat net, however I know I am getting experience everyday by reading such nice content.
my weblog - レイバン 偽物
If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies then he must
ReplyDeletebe pay a visit this web page and be up to date daily.
Here is my website: http://gmyemen.com
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have found out till now.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain in regards
to the source?
Here is my web site - 眼鏡レイバン
Hi it's me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this website is in fact good and the users are truly sharing nice thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web page: レイバンサングラス
This piece of writing is truly a fastidious one it assists new web people, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to surf to my website :: オークリー 店舗
Simply want to say your article is as astounding.
ReplyDeleteThe clarity to your submit is simply nice and that i could assume you're a professional in this subject. Well together with your permission let me to grasp your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks one million and please carry on the rewarding work.
Also visit my site; 激安オークリー
Can you tell us more about this? I'd care to find out some additional information.
ReplyDeleteHere is my homepage - オークリーメガネ
My family members all the time say that I am killing my time
ReplyDeletehere at web, but I know I am getting familiarity every day by reading thes fastidious articles.
My weblog ; レイバン
For latest news you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and
ReplyDeleteon the web I found this site as a finest site for most
recent updates.
Here is my web page :: レイバン
Great site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the
ReplyDeletesame topics talked about here? I'd really love to be a part of community where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks a lot!
My web site - レイバンメガネ
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
ReplyDeleteHere is my page; オークリー
Wow! At last I got a website from where I be capable of in fact take helpful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
ReplyDeletemy webpage: cloudland.isloco.com
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post's to be just what I'm looking for.
ReplyDeleteDo you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn't mind creating a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome website!
my homepage :: www.cadplein.nl
Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm going to start my own blog soon
ReplyDeletebut I'm having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something
unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had
to ask!
my page :: オークリー サングラス
I think that is among the most important info for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd i'm satisfied studying your article. However should commentary on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is actually excellent : D. Excellent job, cheers
my web-site - コーチ 店舗
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really know what you're talking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally talk over with my web site =). We will have a hyperlink alternate arrangement among us
ReplyDeleteHave a look at my website; クリスチャンルブタン
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles
ReplyDeleteor blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last
stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i'm satisfied to show that I've
an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what
I needed. I such a lot certainly will make certain to don?
t disregard this web site and provides it a look regularly.
Here is my blog ... コーチ
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
Any recommendations?
Also visit my page - プラダバッグ
I am genuinely happy to read this blog posts which consists of plenty of useful
ReplyDeletedata, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.
Feel free to surf to my webpage: http://medinnovationblog.blogspot.fr/2009/01/interveiw-with-richard-buz-cooper-md.html
I couldn't resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my web site ... エアジョーダン
I'm pretty pleased to find this website. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you book marked to see new information on your web site.
ReplyDeleteMy website :: ジョーダン
Hello, yes this paragraph is really pleasant and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
ReplyDeletethanks.
Have a look at my blog :: ロレックスレプリカ
Really when someone doesn't know after that its up to other users that they will help, so here it takes place.
ReplyDeleteMy homepage - クロエバッグ
Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you
ReplyDeletecould write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Many thanks!
My blog post; モンスター イヤホン
Inspiring quest there. What happened after? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my web-site :: http://www.margofuerst.com/
Hello, of course this piece of writing is actually nice and I have learned lot of
ReplyDeletethings from it on the topic of blogging. thanks.
My web-site; クロエ ハンドバッグ